BATTERY 2.6 BATTERY 2.6.1 PREVENTING RISKS THAT MAY BE DUE TO THE BATTERY Electrolytic batteries contain sulphuric acid that can quickly burn the skin and corrode clothes making holes in the fabric. If you spill acid on yourself, immediately rinse the involved area with plenty of water. Battery acid may cause blindness if splashed into the eyes. If acid gets accidentally into your eyes, flush them immediately with plenty of water and consult a doctor without delay. If you accidentally swallow some acid, drink a large quantity of water or milk, beaten egg white or vegetable oil and in any case antiacid substances like magnesia, bicarbonate, etc.;.
call a doctor or a poisoning prevention center immediately. RWA01060 WRONG When handling batteries, always wear safety goggles. Batteries generate hydrogen. Hydrogen is highly explosive and can be easily ignited with small sparks or naked flames. Before working with batteries, stop the engine and remove the ignition key. Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals through accidental contact with metal objects or tools or through the inversion of the terminals. RWA01080 Tighten the battery terminals securely. Loose terminals may generate sparks and even cause the explosion of the battery.
2.6.2 STARTING WITH BOOSTER CA- BLES RWA01180 When starting the machine with booster cables, always wear safety goggles. When starting the engine by means of another machine, avoid any contact between the two machines. Be sure to connect the positive cable (+) first and then the neg- ative or earth cable (-) when connecting the booster cables. Disconnect first the negative or earth (–) cable and then the positive cable (+) after the start. RWA01190 Connect the batteries in parallel: positive to positive and nega- tive to negative. When connecting the earth cable to the frame of the machine to be started, operate as far as possible from the battery. (See "3.15.3 IF THE BATTERY IS DOWN"). 42